CITY boss Stuart Pearce hailed birthday boy Andy Cole after the veteran striker bagged the brace which fired his side up to fourth in the Premiership.

Cole emerged a decisive victor in his personal duel with fellow Manchester United old boy Teddy Sheringham, curling home a superb opener then adding a close-range second as City scored a well-deserved 2-1 win over West Ham.

While Sheringham was substituted midway through the second half, Cole, who celebrated his 34th birthday on Sunday, collected man of the match honours for his contribution to a Blues triumph that keeps them on track for a European berth.

Cole has already expressed a desire to extend a contract which expires at the end of the season and his first, a pin-point curling effort into the top corner after Darius Vassell had released him with an astute back-heel was a mark of pure class.

"The first one was a great finish," said Pearce.

"It was very clever, the sign of a true goalscorer.

"Some players would have blasted it. He picked his spot and put it into the top corner. That is why he has got so many goals in the Premiership.

"Andy has something to prove at this club. He wants to stay here beyond the end of the season and if he keeps doing that he is going to force my hand."